After reading everyone's postings for the last 1.5 months, I've decided it's time to contribute myself. I have already found this site invaluable, and visit several times each day! Thank you for keeping it interesting!

I am planning my wedding from the Chicago area, so all vendors that we've chosen have been done "blindly", so this site is so necessary! Here is our story...

How We Met

Matt & I met at Purdue University over 8 years ago. We were set up on a blind date by his ex-girlfriend (she wanted to find him a date that wouldn't amount to anything because she was so sure that they would get back together) and a friend of mine. Our date was to a fraternity Toga party, so we met in sheets! I can clearly remember assisting Matt in wrapping a gold band around his bulging biceps, and how cute he looked in his Martha Stewart plaid sheet!

One thing led to another, and here we are! For years our friends and I awaited the ultimate engagement...when was it coming????!!!!

The Engagement

I am a High School teacher, and little did I know that Matt was planning my engagement with my mentor teacher weeks before it actually happened. On Monday, September 26th (Matt's 30th Birthday), I was interrupted during the 11:45am passing period by my mentor teacher. She approached me with a note explaining that I needed to go home and be home by 1pm, that the remainder of my classes for the day were taken care of, that I was to call in for a sub the following day, and that my cheerleading practice had a substitute coach. With note in hand and complete bewilderment on my face, I departed for him, albeit a bit shaky. Knowing it was Matt's 30th birthday, I couldn't quite figure out what he was doing for me, unless it was this! Deep down I knew it had to be the engagement.

I arrived home on time and quickly ran around our condo looking for items to pack (I figured we may be spending the night somewhere). While searching an empty home, I found a series of 5 numbered envelopes, with instructions to open #1 right then. It informed me that my things had already been packed and that our pets were taken care of. I was to report down to my building lobby where an attended car would be waiting for me. When I arrived downstairs, the car was already waiting to take me to O'Hare airport. Still not knowing where I was going, I went along with the game.

When we arrived at the airport, I opened the next envelope to read that I was on my way to San Diego. I checked in to my flight on my e-certificate. I boarded my plan and held my breath. Of course, somehow the situation was brought up in conversation with others on my plan. The few gentlemen sitting around me were encouraging me to open the next envelope as soon as we landed, and to call them with the outcome so that they could tell their wives.

When we landed I opened the next envelope, which instructed me further to travel down to baggage claim where another driver would be waiting. I traveled in that car to the next surprise destination, the Hotel del Coronado. Upon my arrival, the concierge greeted me by name and said they'd been expecting me. He escorted me to room. At this point, I was sure that I would meet up with Matt...finally! No such luck! I walked into an empty suite...but it was BEAUTIFUL!!!! We had an ocean-side suite with the most amazing view of the beach. On the bed was a brand-new black cocktail dress (Matt had purchased it for me), a pair of shoes, jewelry to wear, and even lingerie (he had remembered a strapless bra that worked with the new dress)! I peeked into the closet and saw that he had also brought with him a back-up dress in case the new one did not work out. And, several pairs of shoes for the same reason. In addition, there was a gold bracelet laid out on the bed. The bracelet was familiar as he had given it to me 5 years prior (12/31/99), and had engraved all significant dates in our relationship on the bracelet. However, nothing new had been engraved since I was given the bracelet. As I turned the bracelet over, it was engraved 9/26/05. At this point, I started to cry! What was happening had been confirmed.

I was instructed to meet the concierge downstairs after getting ready. He then took me to a side garden walk, and there was my man...all dressed up and ready to greet me. And there on a park bench, surrounded by the ocean, palm trees and gorgeous tropical flowers (and his aunt secretly taking photos in the distance), he got down on his knee and popped the question! We spent the evening walking on the beach and enjoying a bottle of Moet-Chandon in our glorious suite! It was an excellent way to begin a fabulous marriage!!!

And, for some photos:

The layout of my new dress, jewelry, etc. on the bed.

My FI patiently waiting for me to arrive!

We finally meet & greet with a gigantic hug!

On his knee...the proposal!

Immediately afterward...do you see the Coronado rooftop & water in the distance? It was beautiful!

Bluii12----WOW!!!! That sounds like a movie!!! Congratulations! It sounds like you found a wonderful guy....keep us updated on your planning...and let us know if we can help out with your long distanc plans!

Welcome to journaling! The other girls are right...beware the addiction! The proposal sounds like a perfect dream, how incredible and amazing how much work and thought went into it. Just awesome! Your website is fabulous too...you are already on top of it!

dizzy_girl - Do you know my fiance? Are you from Carmel or just your family? I am not from Indiana (grew up in the Chicago suburbs), but have many friends from Carmel cuz' of Purdue! I graduated with my BS in Dietetics and Nutrition, Fitness & Health in 2000, and my fiance graduated in 1998 from Krannert. Do you know Audra Eckert? She is a sorority sister of mine who did her undergrad and Masters in Audiology around the same time!

Hmmm....Audra Eckert. That name does sound REALLY familiar....I think I had an Audra in the class behind me, so possibly? It's been sooooo long....is she thin with brown hair...got married maybe 2-3 years ago or so....if yes, then I know her!

I looked at the pics and your FI does not look familiar...but not a surprise since I didn't go to Carmel HS. I actually grew up on the east coast (PA) and after I graduated from HS my family relocated to Carmel. So, my little brother went to school there, but I did not. I did live in Indianapolis for a while though...I got my undergrad degree at Butler University.

Have you been back to Purdue any time recently? They expanded Krannert...I think...that's the business school, right? I do miss Harry's Chocolate Shop....I swear that bar makes THE best mixed drinks ever!

I just wanted to drop by and welcome you to the world of BI journaling! And your engagement story—wow, that is the one of most amazing proposals I've ever read about/heard of! I also took a peek at your Web site; very nice, and I love the pic of you and your FI with your pup. What kind of dog is s/he? Looks a lot like a wonderful dog I had when I was a kid.

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